A-Z Health Topics

Esophageal Variceal Injection

(Sclerotherapy for Esophageal Varices; Endoscopic Sclerotherapy)

Definition

Esophageal varices
are abnormal blood vessels that develop in the esophagus. They have abnormally thin walls and the blood pressure within them is very high. This combination makes esophageal varices dangerous, because they can burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.

Esophageal variceal injection is a procedure to either stop active bleeding or prevent future bleeding. During the procedure, medication is injected into or alongside esophageal varices. When injecting into the vein, the medication causes blood clots to form, blocking the vein from bleeding. When injected alongside the vein, the swelling in the area compresses the vein, preventing it from bleeding.

The procedure is also known as sclerotherapy.

Reasons for Procedure

Esophageal varices can be life-threatening. Esophageal variceal injection is a procedure that can be done to stop active bleeding from esophageal varices and prevent rebleeding.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

Anesthesia

Your throat may be sprayed with a medication to make it numb.

You will be given IV medications to help you relax.

If you have active bleeding, it may be necessary to use
general anesthesia. You will be asleep during the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

For this procedure, you will lie on your left side. A mouthpiece will be placed to help keep your mouth open. An assistant will be in the room to monitor your breathing and heartbeat. You may also be given oxygen through your nose. A suction tube will be used to clear the saliva and other fluids from your mouth.

A lubricated endoscope will be placed into your mouth. It will be passed down your throat and into your esophagus. The scope will have a small light and a camera. Images will display on a video monitor. Air will be passed through the scope to help your doctor see your esophagus. The enlarged vein will be located. If needed, the endoscope can be passed all the way down into the stomach and upper intestines.

When near the varices, a flexible needle will be passed through the scope. The needle will be used to inject medication into the varices. If needed, your doctor may do many injections during one procedure.

Instruments can also be passed through the scope to apply rubber band-like devices. The rubber band ties off the varices. This will prevent future bleeding. This is called band ligation.

How Long Will It Take?

About 30-60 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

During the procedure, you may feel discomfort in your throat. After the procedure, your throat may be sore for a few days. In addition, you may feel bloated and need to belch. It may also be painful to swallow for a couple of days after the procedure.

Post-procedure Care

Unless otherwise instructed, resume your normal diet and medications. Rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Do not make any life-changing decisions.

After this procedure, you will have a smaller chance of bleeding from your esophageal varices. However, it is still possible to bleed from varices that have been injected.

Follow up as directed by your doctor. More than one procedure may be required.

After this procedure, you will have a smaller chance of bleeding from your esophageal varices. However, it is still possible to bleed from varices that have been injected.

Follow up as directed by your doctor. More than one procedure may be required.

Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications, such as:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Bleeding from the mouth

Increasing pain

Nausea and vomiting

Bloody vomit

Difficulty swallowing

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Lightheadedness

Bloody or dark black stools

Severe abdominal pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.